JOB CONTROL

Hokitika Guardian, 10 November 1928, Page 6

JOB CONTROL

(By “X.”) At a time when Labour unionism is voicing its aspirations to control tho destinies of the country, it is well to consider whether it lias shown itself able to control its own constituent elements. The waterside strike in Australia which lias just collapsed through the firm handling by the Commonwealth Prime Minister—though it has left an altemiatli of deplorable lawlessness and outrage—is only one illustration out of numberless that could be quoted showing the weakness of union control. The strike which was against an award of the Arbitration Court was condemned by the union officials, who warned the strikers they wore looking for trouble, and ordered them back to work. This they refused and proceeded to hold up the shipping at a time when it was essential in the interest of the whole Commonwealth that wool should bo shipped away in time for the wool sales. Pastoralists and the producers of Australia were not likely to tamely submit to the results of their labour being lost, and to be faced possibly witli financial ruin through a few waterside workers being dissatisfied with an award. Mr Bruce stepped in with an ultimatum which promptly settled the strike, and also laid down a principle which will have very far reaching effect. While not interfering with labour unionism ■.,r the machinery for dealing with industrial disputes, it has now been laid down that there is a div Img line where industrial disputes cease to he such and become a war on the community. And it lias been shown tlial a responsible government—whose first duty it is to govern—must see (hat this lino is not crossed with infirmity. The Prime Minister of the Commonwealth I-;, insisting that waterside workers shall be registered—which means that any registered worker nho fails to keep within the law and obey the industrial award by which lie is governed will have 1 iis registration oati'-elled —is teaching a le-son to recalcitrant unionists. Ibis while it is in the interests of the unions themselves is a very direct warning that if the unionist cannot control their members the Government will do it for them. Nothing could have a. more .salutary effect in curbing the lawless elements which are at the bottom of nearly all the so-called “labour troubles” which crop up from time to time, and which, now adequate machinery is provided—was provided by the old Liberal Government—to deal with them should never, il wise counsel prevailed over roach the strike stage.

Tn New Zealand as I have shown, the labour unionists are only abouc seven per cent of the population. But there have been too many cases where attempts have been made to establish job control and exercise an unbearable tyranny. Probably all readers remember how some time ago because it was supposed there was likelihood of a strike of jockeys,- the well known sportsman, Sir George Clifford was refused the right to travel from Lyttelton to Wellington in the ferry steamer—because either the seamen or the liremen objected. I have semi a mail steamer with hundreds of passengers and mails stuck up for hours because a couple of firemen were not inclined to come aboard and the union officials wore powerless to deal with the matter. A trifling dispute between a cook and steward, or a deck hand and a fireman has led to vessels being laid up. cargo stuck up and passengers forced to cancel their passages. The position has been rendered intolerable and we all realise that the time must shortly arrive when it must lie effectively dealt with, and this can only he done by a strong Government recognising its responsiblity to the people as a whole, and to the British Empire of which each colony and (loin ni ion is hut a part. The position which must develop is that labour unionism as it grows and develops must, in its own' interests come more fully under the control of the Government and the people. The alternative proposition that the Government and the people shall come under the control of the unions—as per the “labour” programme—is likely to be dealt with as it. deserves. In cases like this, it is safe io iollow the slogan of tin 1 old Tuber;.i Party and I lie phrase which was a popular one and constantly used by the late Air Sodden—“Trust the "People.”